Red Flag Warning 9, NWS Bismarck, ND

Adams County, ND, Billings County, ND, Bowman County, ND, Burke County, ND, Divide County, ND, Dunn County, ND, Golden Valley County, ND, Grant County, ND, Hettinger County, ND, McKenzie County, ND, McLean County, ND, Mercer County, ND, Morton County, ND, Mountrail County, ND, Oliver County, ND, Renville County, ND, Sioux County, ND, Slope County, ND, Stark County, ND, Ward County, ND, Williams County, ND

034 
WWUS83 KBIS 130152
RFWBIS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
852 PM CDT Tue May 12 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING WEDNESDAY FOR WESTERN AND PORTIONS OF SOUTH 
CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...

.A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Wednesday for western and
portions of south central North Dakota. Critical fire weather 
conditions will return Wednesday due to southeasterly winds of 20
to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Minimum relative humidity is 
forecast to drop down as low as 15 percent. Any fires that ignite 
will spread rapidly and become difficult to control.

NDZ003>005-011>013-021>023-025-035>037-046>048-050-051-130300-
/O.EXP.KBIS.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260513T0200Z/
Renville-Bottineau-Rolette-Ward-McHenry-Pierce-McLean-Sheridan-
Wells-Foster-Burleigh-Kidder-Stutsman-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-
McIntosh-Dickey-
852 PM CDT Tue May 12 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR 
CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA AND THE JAMES RIVER VALLEY...

Winds are decreasing and relative humidity values are increasing. 

$$

NDZ001-002-009-010-017-018-031>033-040>045-131400-
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.W.0009.260513T1600Z-260514T0300Z/
Divide-Burke-Williams-Mountrail-McKenzie-Dunn-Golden Valley-
Billings-Stark-Slope-Hettinger-Grant-Bowman-Adams-Sioux-
852 PM CDT Tue May 12 2026 /752 PM MDT Tue May 12 2026/

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM CDT /10 AM MDT/
TO 10 PM CDT /9 PM MDT/ WEDNESDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE
HUMIDITY FOR WESTERN AND PORTIONS OF SOUTH CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...

* WINDS...Southeast 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Western and portions of south central North 
  Dakota.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are expected. A combination of strong winds, low relative 
humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire 
behavior.

&&

$$

CJS

715 
WWUS83 KBIS 130628
RFWBIS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
128 AM CDT Wed May 13 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FOR WESTERN AND MUCH OF CENTRAL NORTH 
DAKOTA, AND FIRE WEATHER WATCH FOR ALL OF WESTERN AND CENTRAL 
NORTH DAKOTA THURSDAY THROUGH FRIDAY...

.A Red Flag Warning has been issued today for western and 
much of central North Dakota. Critical fire weather conditions 
will return today due to southeasterly winds of 20 to 30 mph with
gusts up to 45 mph. Minimum relative humidity is forecast to drop
down as low as 15 percent. Any fires that ignite will spread 
rapidly and become difficult to control. Stronger winds and
continued low relative humidity are then expected for Thursday 
and Friday across all of western through central North Dakota, 
including the James River Valley. Therefore, a Fire Weather Watch 
has been issued Thursday through Friday as well.

NDZ003-011-019>021-034-131830-
/O.NEW.KBIS.FW.A.0005.260514T1500Z-260516T0300Z/
/O.EXA.KBIS.FW.W.0009.260513T1600Z-260514T0300Z/
Renville-Ward-Mercer-Oliver-McLean-Morton-
128 AM CDT Wed May 13 2026 /1228 AM MDT Wed May 13 2026/

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM CDT /10 AM MDT/ THIS
MORNING TO 10 PM CDT /9 PM MDT/ THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW
RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA... 
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH 
FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PORTIONS OF 
CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...

The National Weather Service in Bismarck has issued a Red Flag
Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect
from 11 AM CDT /10 AM MDT/ this morning to 10 PM CDT /9 PM MDT/
this evening. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This
Fire Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity is in
effect from Thursday morning through Friday evening.

* WINDS...Southeast 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph today.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Renville, Ward, Mercer, Oliver, McLean, and
  Morton counties.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

NDZ001-002-009-010-017-018-031>033-040>045-131830-
/O.NEW.KBIS.FW.A.0005.260514T1500Z-260516T0300Z/
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.W.0009.260513T1600Z-260514T0300Z/
Divide-Burke-Williams-Mountrail-McKenzie-Dunn-Golden Valley-
Billings-Stark-Slope-Hettinger-Grant-Bowman-Adams-Sioux-
128 AM CDT Wed May 13 2026 /1228 AM MDT Wed May 13 2026/

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM CDT /10 AM MDT/
THIS MORNING TO 10 PM CDT /9 PM MDT/ THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND
LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR WESTERN AND PORTIONS OF SOUTH CENTRAL
NORTH DAKOTA...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH
FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR WESTERN AND
PORTIONS OF SOUTH CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...

The National Weather Service in Bismarck has issued a Fire
Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in
effect from Thursday morning through Friday evening.

* WINDS...West 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph today.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Western and portions of south central North 
  Dakota.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

NDZ004-005-012-013-022-023-025-035>037-046>048-050-051-131830-
/O.NEW.KBIS.FW.A.0005.260514T1500Z-260516T0300Z/
Bottineau-Rolette-McHenry-Pierce-Sheridan-Wells-Foster-Burleigh-
Kidder-Stutsman-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-McIntosh-Dickey-
128 AM CDT Wed May 13 2026

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH
FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MUCH OF
CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA, INCLUDING THE JAMES RIVER VALLEY...

The National Weather Service in Bismarck has issued a Fire
Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in
effect from Thursday morning through Friday evening.

* WINDS...West 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Much of central North Dakota, including the
  James River Valley.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

Telken

078 
WWUS83 KBIS 131033
RFWBIS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
533 AM CDT Wed May 13 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FOR WESTERN AND MUCH OF CENTRAL NORTH
DAKOTA, AND FIRE WEATHER WATCH FOR ALL OF WESTERN AND CENTRAL
NORTH DAKOTA THURSDAY THROUGH FRIDAY...

.A Red Flag Warning has been issued today for western and much of
central North Dakota. Critical fire weather conditions will
return today due to southeasterly winds of 20 to 30 mph with 
gusts up to 45 mph. Minimum relative humidity is forecast to drop 
down as low as 15 percent. Any fires that ignite will spread 
rapidly and become difficult to control. Stronger winds and 
continued low relative humidity are then expected for Thursday and
Friday across all of western through central North Dakota, 
including the James River Valley. Therefore, a Fire Weather Watch 
has been issued Thursday through Friday as well.

NDZ001>003-009>011-017>021-031>034-040>045-132245-
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.W.0009.260513T1600Z-260514T0300Z/
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.A.0005.260514T1500Z-260516T0300Z/
Divide-Burke-Renville-Williams-Mountrail-Ward-McKenzie-Dunn-
Mercer-Oliver-McLean-Golden Valley-Billings-Stark-Morton-Slope-
Hettinger-Grant-Bowman-Adams-Sioux-
533 AM CDT Wed May 13 2026 /433 AM MDT Wed May 13 2026/

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM CDT /10 AM MDT/
THIS MORNING TO 10 PM CDT /9 PM MDT/ THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND
LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR WESTERN AND MUCH OF CENTRAL NORTH 
DAKOTA... 
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING 
THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR 
WESTERN AND MUCH OF CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...

* WINDS...Southeast 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph today.
  West 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph Thursday and Friday.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Western and much of central North Dakota.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

NDZ004-005-012-013-022-023-025-035>037-046>048-050-051-132245-
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.A.0005.260514T1500Z-260516T0300Z/
Bottineau-Rolette-McHenry-Pierce-Sheridan-Wells-Foster-Burleigh-
Kidder-Stutsman-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-McIntosh-Dickey-
533 AM CDT Wed May 13 2026

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING
THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
MUCH OF CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA, INCLUDING THE JAMES RIVER VALLEY...

* WINDS...West 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Much of central North Dakota, including the 
  James River Valley.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

Telken

244 
WWUS83 KBIS 131623
RFWBIS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
1123 AM CDT Wed May 13 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FOR WESTERN AND MUCH OF CENTRAL NORTH
DAKOTA, AND FIRE WEATHER WATCH FOR ALL OF WESTERN AND CENTRAL
NORTH DAKOTA THURSDAY THROUGH FRIDAY...

.A Red Flag Warning has been issued today for western and much of
central North Dakota. Critical fire weather conditions will
return today due to southeasterly winds of 20 to 30 mph with
gusts up to 45 mph. Minimum relative humidity is forecast to drop
down as low as 15 percent. Any fires that ignite will spread
rapidly and become difficult to control. Stronger winds and
continued low relative humidity are then expected for Thursday
and Friday across all of western through central North Dakota,
including the James River Valley. Therefore, a Fire Weather Watch
has been issued Thursday through Friday as well.

NDZ001>003-009>011-017>021-031>034-040>045-140430-
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-260514T0300Z/
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.A.0005.260514T1500Z-260516T0300Z/
Divide-Burke-Renville-Williams-Mountrail-Ward-McKenzie-Dunn-
Mercer-Oliver-McLean-Golden Valley-Billings-Stark-Morton-Slope-
Hettinger-Grant-Bowman-Adams-Sioux-
1123 AM CDT Wed May 13 2026 /1023 AM MDT Wed May 13 2026/

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT /9 PM MDT/
THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR WESTERN AND
MUCH OF CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING
THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
WESTERN AND MUCH OF CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...

* WINDS...Southwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Western and much of central North Dakota.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

NDZ004-005-012-013-022-023-025-035>037-046>048-050-051-140430-
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.A.0005.260514T1500Z-260516T0300Z/
Bottineau-Rolette-McHenry-Pierce-Sheridan-Wells-Foster-Burleigh-
Kidder-Stutsman-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-McIntosh-Dickey-
1123 AM CDT Wed May 13 2026

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING
THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
MUCH OF CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA, INCLUDING THE JAMES RIVER VALLEY...

* WINDS...West 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Much of central North Dakota, including the 
  James River Valley.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

643 
WWUS83 KBIS 131902
RFWBIS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
202 PM CDT Wed May 13 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FOR WESTERN AND MUCH OF CENTRAL NORTH
DAKOTA, AND RED FLAG WARNING FOR ALL OF WESTERN AND CENTRAL NORTH
DAKOTA THURSDAY THROUGH FRIDAY...

.A Red Flag Warning has been issued today for western and much of
central North Dakota. Critical fire weather conditions will
return today due to southeasterly winds of 20 to 30 mph with
gusts up to 45 mph. Minimum relative humidity is forecast to drop
down as low as 15 percent. Any fires that ignite will spread
rapidly and become difficult to control. Stronger winds and
continued low relative humidity are then expected for Thursday
and Friday across all of western through central North Dakota,
including the James River Valley. Therefore, a Fire Weather Watch
has been issued Thursday through Friday as well.

NDZ001>003-009>011-017>021-031>034-040>045-140715-
/O.NEW.KBIS.FW.W.0010.260514T1500Z-260516T0200Z/
/O.EXT.KBIS.FW.A.0005.260516T0200Z-260516T0300Z/
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-260514T0300Z/
Divide-Burke-Renville-Williams-Mountrail-Ward-McKenzie-Dunn-
Mercer-Oliver-McLean-Golden Valley-Billings-Stark-Morton-Slope-
Hettinger-Grant-Bowman-Adams-Sioux-
202 PM CDT Wed May 13 2026 /102 PM MDT Wed May 13 2026/

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT /9 PM MDT/
THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR WESTERN AND
MUCH OF CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM CDT /9 AM MDT/ THURSDAY
TO 9 PM CDT /8 PM MDT/ FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY
FOR ALL OF WESTERN AND CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA... 

The National Weather Service in Bismarck has issued a Red Flag
Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect
from 10 AM CDT /9 AM MDT/ Thursday to 9 PM CDT /8 PM MDT/ Friday.

* WINDS...Southeast 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph today.
  West 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph Thursday and Friday.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 14 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Western and much of central North Dakota.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

* AFFECTED AREA...All of western and central North Dakota.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

NDZ004-005-012-013-022-023-025-035>037-046>048-050-051-140715-
/O.NEW.KBIS.FW.W.0010.260514T1500Z-260516T0200Z/
/O.EXT.KBIS.FW.A.0005.260516T0200Z-260516T0300Z/
Bottineau-Rolette-McHenry-Pierce-Sheridan-Wells-Foster-Burleigh-
Kidder-Stutsman-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-McIntosh-Dickey-
202 PM CDT Wed May 13 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THURSDAY TO 9 PM CDT
FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR ALL OF WESTERN AND
CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA... 

The National Weather Service in Bismarck has issued a Red Flag
Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect
from 10 AM Thursday to 9 PM CDT Friday.

* WINDS...West 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 18 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Much of central North Dakota, including the 
  James River Valley.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

* AFFECTED AREA...All of western and central North Dakota.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

730 
WWUS83 KBIS 140304
RFWBIS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
1004 PM CDT Wed May 13 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING FOR ALL OF WESTERN AND CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA 
THURSDAY THROUGH FRIDAY...

.Critical fire weather conditions are expected on Thursday and
Friday over western and central North Dakota including the James
River Valley. Westerly winds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts to 65 mph
are expected over northwest North Dakota, with westerly winds of 
30 to 40 mph with gusts to 55 mph over remaining areas. Relative 
humidity values will drop as low as 15 percent. Any fires that 
ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control.

NDZ001>003-009>011-017>021-031>034-040>045-141515-
/O.CAN.KBIS.FW.A.0005.260516T0200Z-260516T0300Z/
/O.EXP.KBIS.FW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-260514T0300Z/
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.W.0010.260514T1500Z-260516T0200Z/
Divide-Burke-Renville-Williams-Mountrail-Ward-McKenzie-Dunn-
Mercer-Oliver-McLean-Golden Valley-Billings-Stark-Morton-Slope-
Hettinger-Grant-Bowman-Adams-Sioux-
1004 PM CDT Wed May 13 2026 /904 PM MDT Wed May 13 2026/

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM CDT /9 AM MDT/
THURSDAY TO 9 PM CDT /8 PM MDT/ FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE
HUMIDITY FOR WESTERN AND MUCH OF CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...

* WINDS.. West 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Western and much of central North Dakota.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

NDZ004-005-012-013-022-023-025-035>037-046>048-050-051-141515-
/O.CAN.KBIS.FW.A.0005.260516T0200Z-260516T0300Z/
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.W.0010.260514T1500Z-260516T0200Z/
Bottineau-Rolette-McHenry-Pierce-Sheridan-Wells-Foster-Burleigh-
Kidder-Stutsman-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-McIntosh-Dickey-
1004 PM CDT Wed May 13 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THURSDAY TO 9 PM
CDT FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR CENTRAL NORTH 
DAKOTA INCLUDING THE JAMES RIVER VALLEY...

* WINDS...West 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Much of central North Dakota, including the 
  James River Valley.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
1223 PM CDT Tue May 12 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Critical fire weather conditions expected again today across
  central North Dakota, including the James River Valley.

- Strong winds expected across central and eastern North Dakota
  this morning through the afternoon.

- Windy conditions and low humidity values through the rest of
  the upcoming week may lead to daily critical fire weather
  conditions.

&&

.UPDATE...
Issued at 1215 PM CDT Tue May 12 2026

Satellite imagery shows scattered cumulus that continues to
form across the northern and western half of the state. Windy
conditions continue across the eastern half of the state and
portions of central North Dakota. Temperatures continue to warm
into the 60s across the state. No updates are needed at this
time.

UPDATE
Issued at 956 AM CDT Tue May 12 2026

Winds continue to pick across the central half of the state and
the eastern half of the state. Clear skies and warming
temperatures will allow stronger winds to mix down to the
surface this afternoon. No major updates are needed at this time
as the forecast remains on track.

UPDATE
Issued at 629 AM CDT Tue May 12 2026

The forecast remains on track.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 456 AM CDT Tue May 12 2026

Windy and mostly dry conditions remain the story through the
remainder of the week. For today, surface low pressure currently
centered over Minnesota will gradually slide eastward into the
Great Lakes Region. Simultaneously, surface high pressure
currently over Montana will gradually nudge into the Dakotas.
This will result in a tighter pressure gradient over the eastern
half of the state today that should gradually loosen from west
to east. However, a trailing strong LLJ remains over much of
the state. These winds should mix down to the surface fairly
easily this morning resulting in very windy conditions this
morning and afternoon, especially for locations east of Hwy 83.
Depending on how quickly the gradient loosens and strong lower
level winds move off to the east will impact just how windy and
for how persistent winds will be today. Either way, winds will
rapidly diminish and become light and variable this evening. All
in all, the ongoing Wind Advisory looks good at this time.

Current NBM lows for tonight mostly range from 40 to 45 degrees.
However, with a good radiational cooling set-up, wouldn't be
surprised if temperatures don't wind up cooler than forecast,
especially in our traditionally colder spots. Depending on how
cold things get, frost development isn't entirely out of the
question.

Come Wednesday, high pressure over the state will shift eastward
as the next surface low passes from west to east across southern
Canada. This will tighten the pressure gradient in western ND on
Wednesday, which is favored to produce windy conditions mainly
west of Highway 83 during the day that will then expand
eastward through the overnight hours. Very windy conditions are
then favored Thursday, especially in the northwest as an
enhanced EFI signal is starting to appear. An axis of increased
dewpoints looks to accompany the associated surface trough as it
moves through Wednesday night/Thursday. This, along with a mid-
level shortwave could produce isolated to scattered showers and
a few thunderstorms, although widespread wetting rains look
unlikely.

Even windier conditions are then possible Friday, especially
north of I94 where a further enhanced EFI signal shows higher
confidence in a stronger wind event. That said, current run
shows a shift of tails between 0 and 1 for most of the enhanced
signal. This doesn't particularly favor an anomalous event, but
doesn't rule one out either. Beyond Friday, winds remain breezy
to windy, though more widespread precipitation chances return.
Especially Saturday night where 45 to 55 percent precipitation
chances are present across the entire state.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z WEDNESDAY/...
Issued at 1215 PM CDT Tue May 12 2026

VFR conditions will continue across the region for the next 24
hours. A layer of scattered to few cumulus is forming across
much of the central and western half of the state. Winds will
continue out of the northwest with KMOT and KJMS having the
windiest conditions this afternoon. Surface high pressure will
move into the region tonight resulting in lighter winds and a
wind shift out of the south by tomorrow morning. Winds will pick
across the western half of the state by tomorrow afternoon.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 456 AM CDT Tue May 12 2026

Winds are expected to ramp up again this morning, especially for
the eastern half of the state. As surface low pressure and
trailing low-level jet moves off to the east, winds should
gradually diminish from west to east this afternoon. However,
minimum relative humidity values are still expected to range
from 15 to 25 percent. It seems like winds should diminish
quick enough in western North Dakota to prevent critical fire
weather conditions from developing, but still advertising near
critical fire weather conditions should winds persist a little
longer. Based on these factors, the current Red Flag Warning
looks good as-is.

Encroaching high pressure will result in winds quickly becoming
light and variable across the entire state this evening as any
residual mixing is lost. For Wednesday, the next surface low
pressure will begin passing from west to east across southern
Canada. This will tighten the pressure gradient resulting in
another windy day in western North Dakota on Wednesday while
very dry conditions persist. As the low continues propagating
eastward, these windy conditions will further expand eastward
Wednesday night through Thursday, and then likely persisting
through Friday. Critical fire weather conditions are possible
each day. Isolated to scattered showers, and possibly a few
thunderstorms, may pass through mainly Thursday through Thursday
evening. However, widespread wetting rains seems unlikely.

Towards this weekend, cooler temperatures resulting in at least
somewhat higher RH values, as well as more widespread
precipitation chances, begin to enter the picture. The highest
probability for wetting rains are currently Saturday night
through Sunday. During this timeframe, most of western through
central North Dakota has a 20 to 40 percent chance of seeing a
wetting rain.

&&

.BIS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Red Flag Warning until 9 PM CDT this evening for NDZ003>005-
011>013-021>023-025-035>037-046>048-050-051.
Wind Advisory until 7 PM CDT this evening for NDZ005-012-013-
022-023-025-035>037-046>048-050-051.

&&

UPDATE...Johnson/Telken
DISCUSSION...Telken
AVIATION...Johnson
FIRE WEATHER...Telken

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
1214 PM CDT Tue May 12 2026

NDZ001-002-009-010-017>020-031>033-040>044-059>062-131715-
Divide-Burke-Williams-Mountrail-McKenzie-Dunn-Mercer-Oliver-
Golden Valley-Billings-Stark-Slope-Hettinger-Grant-Bowman-Adams-
Western Morton-Eastern Morton-Western Sioux-Eastern Sioux-
1214 PM CDT Tue May 12 2026 /1114 AM MDT Tue May 12 2026/

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northwest North
Dakota, south central North Dakota, and southwest North Dakota.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

Near critical fire weather conditions are expected today.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

Several days of critical fire weather conditions are possible
to finish out the week.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are asked to provide reports to the NWS using standard
procedures, including through our social media accounts.

NDZ003-004-055>058-131715-
Renville-Bottineau-Northwest Ward-
Central and Southern Ward/Minot Area-Western McLean-
Eastern McLean-
1214 PM CDT Tue May 12 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of north central
North Dakota and south central North Dakota.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

A Red Flag Warning is in effect today. See weather.gov/bis for
details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

Several days of critical fire weather conditions are possible
to finish out the week.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are asked to provide reports to the NWS using standard
procedures, including through our social media accounts.

NDZ005-012-013-022-023-025-035>037-046>048-050-051-131715-
Rolette-McHenry-Pierce-Sheridan-Wells-Foster-Burleigh-Kidder-
Stutsman-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-McIntosh-Dickey-
1214 PM CDT Tue May 12 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of north central
North Dakota, south central North Dakota, and southeast North
Dakota.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

A Red Flag Warning is in effect today. See weather.gov/bis for
details.

A Wind Advisory is in effect today. See weather.gov/bis for
details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

Several days of critical fire weather conditions are possible
to finish out the week.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are asked to provide reports to the NWS using standard
procedures, including through our social media accounts.